The human brain is an incredibly complex organ. And while it is complex, it is also very squishy. In this article is attached a captivating video of a freshly removed human brain straight from autopsy.
The video was uploaded on YouTube by the University of Utah Neuroscience Initiative back in 2013 for students who don’t have access to a fresh brain. Moreover, only rely on preserved brain models and pictures for studying.
According to neuroanatomist Suzanne Stensaas, as a trauma surgeon you are aware of how soft and vulnerable the brain really is. Unlike the impression you may get when you are looking at a fixed brain. However, she further stated:
“Students tend to think that the brain is sort-of the consistency of a rubber ball, and that’s because in the laboratories, and teaching specimens, we have formalin-fixed brains.”
As explained in the video, the brain was from a cancer patient’s autopsy who died because of cell transplant complications.
The human brain is under protection of several membranes, cushioned by the cerebrospinal fluid, encased in the skull. The video is proof of how fragile the brain can really be. The university wanted to stress over the “importance of wearing helmets, seat belts, and taking care of this very precious tissue” with this video. In addition, the video also highlights the different parts of the brain for viewers to watch and learn. Showing how precious a 1.4 kg freshly removed human brain is.
Watch video below:
